Carmel, a charming coastal town in California, is a food lover’s paradise. With its rich history, stunning beaches, and picturesque streets, Carmel is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. One of the most important aspects of any trip is where to eat, and Carmel has a plethora of options to suit every taste and budget. From fine dining to casual eateries, Carmel’s culinary scene is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and commitment to using only the freshest local ingredients.
Get ultimate traveler plannerWhere To Eat In Carmel
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Carmel, highlighting the best places to eat, drink, and indulge in this beautiful coastal town. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Italian cuisine, or a classic American diner, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also provide insider tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your dining experience in Carmel.
Best Restaurants in Carmel
Carmel is home to a wide range of restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. From fine dining establishments to casual eateries, Carmel’s restaurants are a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and commitment to using only the freshest local ingredients. Here are some of the best restaurants in Carmel:
- La Bicyclette: A French-inspired bistro with a cozy atmosphere and delicious menu options.
- Café des Artistes: A charming café with a focus on local and organic ingredients.
- La Bocca: A popular Italian restaurant with a wide range of pasta dishes and pizzas.
- Grasing’s: A classic American diner with a retro vibe and delicious breakfast options.
Best Cafes in Carmel
Carmel is also home to a number of excellent cafes, perfect for a quick breakfast or coffee break. Here are some of the best cafes in Carmel:
- Café Carmel: A charming café with a wide range of coffee drinks and delicious pastries.
- The Creamery: A popular ice cream shop with unique flavors and delicious treats.
- Carmel Coffee Roasters: A specialty coffee shop with a focus on locally roasted beans.
Best Bars in Carmel
After a long day of exploring Carmel, there’s no better way to unwind than with a drink at one of the town’s many excellent bars. Here are some of the best bars in Carmel:
- The Flying Fish Grill: A popular bar with a wide range of cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
- The Carmel Bar: A cozy bar with a focus on craft beer and live music.
- The Hideaway: A hidden gem with a speakeasy-style atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these options, providing insider tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your dining experience in Carmel. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a casual lunch, or a quick coffee break, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the best of Carmel’s culinary scene!
Where to Eat in Carmel: A Foodie’s Paradise
Carmel, a charming coastal town in California, is a haven for foodies. With its rich culinary scene, Carmel offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From fine dining to casual eats, and from seafood to farm-to-table, Carmel’s restaurants are a reflection of its commitment to quality and freshness. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Carmel, from breakfast to dinner, and everything in between.
Breakfast and Brunch
Starting your day with a delicious breakfast or brunch is a must in Carmel. Here are some top recommendations: (See Also: Where To Eat In Fulton Market)
* Café Lumiere: This cozy café serves up French-inspired pastries, quiche, and omelets, along with a variety of coffee drinks.
* La Bicyclette: This charming French bakery and café offers a range of sweet and savory treats, including croissants, quiches, and sandwiches.
* The Flying Fish Grill: This popular spot serves up a breakfast buffet with a focus on fresh seafood, including omelets, pancakes, and waffles.
* Carmel Bakery: This family-owned bakery has been a Carmel institution for over 30 years, offering a wide range of sweet and savory baked goods, including bread, pastries, and cakes.
Lunch and Dinner
For lunch and dinner, Carmel offers a diverse range of options, from seafood to Italian to Mexican. Here are some top recommendations:
* La Playa Restaurant: Located in the historic La Playa Hotel, this restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients.
* Il Grillo: This cozy Italian restaurant offers a range of pasta dishes, pizzas, and risottos, along with a selection of Italian wines.
* La Fondue: This unique restaurant offers a fondue experience like no other, with a variety of dipping options, including meat, seafood, and vegetables.
* El Camino Real: This casual Mexican restaurant serves up a range of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites, along with a selection of margaritas and other cocktails.
Seafood
Carmel’s proximity to the ocean means that seafood is a big part of the local cuisine. Here are some top seafood recommendations:
* The Forge in the Forest: This upscale restaurant offers a range of seafood dishes, including lobster, scallops, and fish, along with a selection of steaks and other meats.
* Peppered Moon: This seafood-focused restaurant serves up a range of fresh seafood dishes, including oysters, mussels, and fish, along with a selection of craft beers.
* The Crab Shack: This casual seafood spot serves up a range of seafood favorites, including crab, lobster, and fish, along with a selection of sides and desserts.
Farm-to-Table
Carmel is known for its commitment to local and sustainable farming practices, and many of its restaurants reflect this commitment. Here are some top farm-to-table recommendations: (See Also: Where To Eat In Goulburn)
* Monterey Bay Fish House: This restaurant serves up a range of seafood dishes, including fish, shellfish, and sushi, all sourced from local and sustainable sources.
* The Farmhouse at Ocean Avenue: This farm-to-table restaurant offers a range of seasonal dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and entrees, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
* Carmel Valley Ranch: This luxury resort offers a range of farm-to-table dining options, including a restaurant and a farm stand, both of which feature locally sourced ingredients.
Snacks and Treats
Carmel is also a great place to grab a snack or treat. Here are some top recommendations:
* Carmel Valley Creamery: This popular creamery offers a range of artisanal cheeses, including goat cheese, cheddar, and gouda, along with a selection of crackers and jams.
* The Carmel Chocolate Shop: This charming shop offers a range of handmade chocolates, including truffles, caramels, and other treats.
* La Bicyclette’s Bakery: This bakery offers a range of sweet and savory treats, including croissants, quiches, and sandwiches.
Recap
Carmel is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From fine dining to casual eats, and from seafood to farm-to-table, Carmel’s restaurants are a reflection of its commitment to quality and freshness. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family-friendly meal, or just a quick snack, Carmel has something for everyone.
Here are five FAQs related to “Where To Eat In Carmel”:
Where To Eat In Carmel FAQs
What are some of the best restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its romantic atmosphere and delicious dining options. Some of the best restaurants in the area include La Bicyclette, a French-inspired bistro with a cozy atmosphere, and Cantinetta Luca, an Italian restaurant with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. For a more casual dining experience, try The Forge in the Forest, a rustic restaurant with a fireplace and outdoor seating area.
Are there any vegetarian or vegan options in Carmel?
Yes, Carmel has several options for vegetarians and vegans. One popular spot is The Cheese Shop, which offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan cheeses, as well as sandwiches and salads. Another option is La Dolce Vita, an Italian restaurant with a separate vegetarian menu. For a more casual option, try The Carmel Coffee House, which offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan pastries and sandwiches. (See Also: Where To Eat In Mcminnville Oregon)
Can I find any seafood restaurants in Carmel?
Yes, Carmel is located near the coast and has several seafood restaurants to choose from. One popular option is The Crab Shack, a casual restaurant with a focus on fresh seafood. Another option is The Fish Hopper, a seafood restaurant with a variety of options including fish, shellfish, and sushi. For a more upscale dining experience, try Anton & Michel, a French-inspired restaurant with a focus on fresh seafood.
Are there any restaurants in Carmel that are open late?
Yes, there are several restaurants in Carmel that are open late. One popular option is The Flying Fish Grill, a seafood restaurant that is open until 10pm. Another option is The Forge in the Forest, a rustic restaurant that is open until 9:30pm. For a more casual option, try The Carmel Coffee House, which is open until 9pm.
Can I find any restaurants in Carmel that offer outdoor seating?
Yes, many restaurants in Carmel offer outdoor seating. One popular option is The Cheese Shop, which has a small patio area with outdoor seating. Another option is La Dolce Vita, an Italian restaurant with a large outdoor seating area. For a more casual option, try The Flying Fish Grill, a seafood restaurant with a patio area overlooking the ocean.